Eco-innovation approach. Ecological value-chains and product innovation

1. The eco-innovation approach
 Essential tool for a more resource-efficient economy (reducing inputs,
recovering materials, minimising waste, extending product/service life cycle)
 Strategic business approach to promote sustainable practices throughout a
company’s value chain – thereby operating at the level of a company
strategy
 Promotes systemic innovation based on holistic life-cycle analysis and
involving stakeholders along the entire value chain
 Boosting companies develop and scale up sustainable solutions, contributing
to overall market competitiveness
 For policy makers: Contribute to sustainability/development goals; overcome
resource constraints and environmental degradation; create new jobs and
contribute to overall economic development

2. Ecological value-chains and product innovation
EU4Environment Output 2.6, implemented by UNEP
Aim: Assist SMEs to evaluate their value chains and to seek solutions to strengthen their market
position and competitiveness
Activities:
 National trainings for businesses and governments
 Awareness raising, including participation of industry representatives in technical fairs
 Market assessment and policy analysis for selected/priority sectors
 Assessment of companies’ potential for eco-innovation and provision of advisory
services (including training of trainers) for business strategy development